Elder Law Info for Seniors

There are currently over 49 million Americans aged 65 plus, that number steadily increases year after year.  Older adults are living longer, the need for information about federal programs to help seniors is also expanding.  Elder law attorneys can assist with all of this type of information.  what is elder law

Elder law attorneys can advocate for you or your loved one.  They handle a variety of legal situations such as issues with health care, Social Security, Medicaid/Medicare, Long-term care and other matters that affect the elderly.

Elder law attorneys are sometime considered specialists in their field.  They focus on the needs of seniors, which is very different than the needs of young adults.  They not only take care of money matter and estate planning, they consider the daily issues seniors face such as assisted living, home care and senior care planning.

What is Elder Law?

Elder Law is the legal practice of situations that affect the senior population. Elder law attorneys plan and prepare seniors for financial needs and proper long-term care options. 

What does an elder law attorney do?

Elder law attorneys advocate for seniors and their families.  They can manage a wide variety of legal issues such as health care, retirement, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid as well as long term care and guardianships. 

Elder law attorneys specialize in the needs of seniors which is very different than the needs of young people.  They assist with important financial matters, estate planning and can take care of daily issues affecting the care of seniors, such as assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities. 

They are also equipped to handle delicate emotional need, seniors with disabilities and challenging cases.  

How can an elder law attorney help?questions to ask elder law attorney

  • Draft a Will
  • Power of Attorney
  • Financial Planning
  • Guardianship
  • Manage Assisted Living Cost
  • Assist with Long Term Care Facility Needs
  • File Nursing Home Claims & Patient Rights
  • Health Care Planning
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trusts & Trusts

What questions should I ask an Elder Law Attorney? 

  1. What should I bring with me?
  2. How long have they been practicing?
  3. What is their elder law specialty?
  4. How do they handle fees?

What is the difference between Elder Law and Estate Planning?

In a nutshell Estate Planning is mainly concerned with executing your wishes and dispersing your assets once you have passed on.  This is done in an efficient yet tax advantaged way.  Elder law seeks to safeguard your assets and revenue to utilize while you are still living.

When you are older law issues can become complex, and each state follows its own rules regarding what can/cannot be in a will or power of attorney. In addition, each state has formalities about end of life documentation and caretaker rules.  Elder abuse is also different state by state as they all have their own criminal rules about what constitutes elder abuse. Elder law attorneys in your state will know the state law and information that pertains to your situation as you age. 

An attorney will also be able to foresee potential situations with your case and recommend measures on how to solve them.  They will keep track of paperwork, court information and nearing deadlines.  This will inevitably give you less worry and concern as you age.

If you are looking for an elder law attorney use our "Find Services" button to search for a professional in your area.  Other services you may find are realtors, movers/downsizers, home care and more.